Firefighters say the numbers in volunteer stations have been down 20 percent during the past few years, while emergency calls to the stations have been up 20 percent.

That's why volunteers are in high demand.

Volunteer departments are hosting open houses, showing demonstrations, and answering all questions for those who are interested in joining.

"And explain to them what it's like being a firefighter," said President of the Broome County Firefighters Association, Rob Brady. "Tell them about the training opportunities, tell them about some scholarships available in the fire service, there's little bit of a tax incentive if they're a volunteer firefighter or EMS member, and kind of explain to them the things that we do."